The Shichon is a cross between a Bichon Frise and a Shih Tzu. We have all heard of the Bichon Frise at some point in our lives. Because the Shih Tzu hasn’t had as much exposure as the Bichon Frise, you may not know much about it. Nonetheless, you should be aware that the combination of these two has resulted in a lovely dog in the form of the Shichon.
The specifics of this canine have been discussed further below.
Shichon History
The Shichon can only be understood through its parents. We can try to understand the Shichon by learning about its parents in more detail. The Shih-Tzu is a Chinese breed of dog. This breed of dog has been around for at least 2000 years. Because of their size and loyalty, they made excellent companion dogs. This dog was especially popular among the Chinese nobility and upper classes. Monks in Tibet would keep this dog as a guard in their temples.
The Bichon Frise is a breed of dog related to the Coton De Tulear, Havanese, and Maltese. This family is well-known for its devotion, beauty, and charisma. The first propagators of this breed were Spanish Sailors. The breed spread to France and Europe due to numerous invasions and conquests. The Shichon doesn’t even have a fraction of the recognition compared to the parents. We know that the Shichon is a remarkable companion dog, and perhaps it will become popular in the next few years.
Shichon Characteristics
Based on gene dominance, the Shichon can take after any side of the family. It usually has a dense, medium-length, and soft coat. These canines are so soft and fluffy that you can’t stop hugging them. The Shichon is typically available in eight to ten different colors, such as Silver, Red, Gray, and Cream. The Shichon will generally be small enough to hold in your arms. The facial features and the rest of the appearance changes based on the parent it takes after.
How Big do Shichon Get
Overall, the Shichon is a small canine that can easily fit into any household. The males and females both remain between 9 and 12 inches high. Their weights should ideally stay between 10 and 15 lbs. Giving them good food and daily exercise is one way to regulate their weight.
How Long Does Shichon Live
The lifespan of an average Shichon will remain between 12 and 14 years of age. The lifespan of an average Shichon reflects the lifestyle of your canine. The healthier your canine’s lifestyle is, the longer it will live. More information about the Shichon’s lifestyle and healthcare has been included below.
How Much Does a Shichon Cost
The initial price of an average Shichon will vary depending on its appearance. We all know that judging a dog solely on its appearance is incorrect, but unfortunately, this is the cold, hard reality of the dog world. What people see is what they pay for. Most mixed breeds, such as the Shichon, will cost between $300 and $900.
Shichon Temperament/Personality
These canines are lovely pet dogs, but they have a slightly stubborn streak. Housebreaking them, in particular, is very hard. You will have to start training it as soon as you get it. If training your canine becomes hard, then try changing the breadth of your training sessions. Being creative and encouraging is the best way to train your canine.
These canines are primarily companion dogs. Socializing them from a young age will allow them to get along with a variety of different pets. We recommend supervising them around other pets and children because the Shichon can easily get hurt.
Caring for Shichon
Things related to diet, general healthcare and general instructions are all the things that we will be discussing in the section below. Learning about all of these will allow you to make better decisions for the health of your canine.
Shichon Nutrition
These small canines need food fit for their size. To give your dog the right nutritional value, use food from brands like Taste of the Wild Dog Food or Eukanuba Dog Food. If you use these brands, you won’t have to worry about any toxic materials getting into your dog’s system. Also, the daily volume of food should stay close to one cup.
How to Groom a Shichon
The length and texture of the Shichon’s coat makes it very hard to manage. You will have to brush the Shichon’s coat every day to avoid issues. To keep the coat free from tangles and matts, you will have to use a good Dog Brush. You should also bathe your canine once every month. You may have to bathe it more often if it drools more. The most important thing is keeping its dental health in check. Use some Toothpaste for Dogs to keep their teeth clean.
Shichon Activity Levels
The Shichon needs between 40 to 50 minutes of activity every day. We understand that dispensing 40 to 50 minutes of your time solely for activity could be slightly hard. Therefore, we recommend that you can get an Automatic Fetch Machine that will engage your dog without any hassle. You will still have to give it a walk, but the period will be smaller.
Caring for Shichon
Being affectionate and caring will cost you nothing, but it will mean a lot to your dog. The Shichon is a canine that cannot live without interactions. Ignoring its need for love and cravings for attention will make it self-destructive. You should try to keep the Shichon as close to yourself as possible. Please do not leave it alone for long periods and shelter it from negative elements.
Shichon Health
Mixed breeds have a weakened immune system and are more likely to contract diseases. The Shichon also has a higher chance of inheriting various diseases. What this means for your dog is that it will be susceptible to a wide range of conditions. According to our findings, the Shichon is particularly vulnerable to Patellar Luxation, Hypothyroidism, Respiratory Problems, Portosystemic Shunt, and Cataracts.
Some of these issues are visible to the naked eye. The rest of the illnesses and conditions are only discernible through proper testing. The veterinarian is the only person who can perform the right tests and give you the next possible steps that you should be taking.
Breeds Similar to Shichon
Best Dog Food For Shichon
The best dog product for Shichon is Wellness Small Breed Complete Health Adult Turkey & Oatmeal Recipe. This meal is optimized with superior quality protein, which concentrates on muscle development and providing wholesome nutrition for the body. It is completely natural and does not include GMO products.
- Rich in antioxidants extracted from blueberries and spinach to help boost the immune system.
- Includes flaxseeds which are full of omega fatty acids which help to achieve healthy skin and coat.
- The kibbles are small and bite-sized to help with proper digestion and keep the teeth clean.
Best Puppy Food For Shichon
The best puppy food for Shichon is Diamond Naturals Small Breed Puppy Formula. This recipe is formulated with rice and protein, providing chicken to stimulate an active lifestyle and lean muscle development. It is also fortified with prebiotic fibers to maintain a healthy digestive system.
- It includes superfoods like chia seeds to provide maximum nutrition.
- It extracts antioxidants from real fruits and vegetables to maintain boost immunity.
- DHA is taken from salmon oil to improve vision and brain functionality.
Best Dog Crate For Shichon
The best dog crate for Shichon is MidWest iCrate Fold & Carry Double Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate. This crate has collapsible style double doors, which has a secure latch to provide easy access. It comes with a carry handle which makes it suitable to travel with.
- The crate has a divider panel to help the Shichon puppy to grow into it.
- There is a plastic tray that can be removed and cleaned easily with water.
- It has rubber roller feet to avoid scratching the floor.
Best Dog Bed For Shichon
The best dog bed for Shichon is FurHaven Quilted Orthopedic Sofa Dog Bed w/ Removable Cover. It is made from soft polyester orthopedic foam to make it the most comfortable and luxurious experience for your Shichon. This bed comes in several elegant colors and five different sizes to choose from.
- The egg crate foam filling allows enough ventilation to avoid discomfort.
- There are bolsters on three sides that provide head and back support, especially for older dogs with arthritis.
- This bed is washable in the machine and is hassle-free.
Best Dog Harness For Shichon
The best dog harness for Shichon is Best Pet Supplies Voyager Black Trim Mesh Dog Harness. It is made from excellent quality mesh material, which makes it comfortable for daily use. The black trims are gentle on your Shichon and avoid any chaffing that is generally caused by the edges of any harness.
- Features several adjustment points which you can use to change the size.
- Can be washed.
- Features a secure swift-release buckle, which holds the harness together.
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